Hybrid presentation controller and computer input device

ABSTRACT

An input device having a housing; a pointing device coupled with the housing having a plurality of buttons; a scrolling element coupled with the housing; and a module for detecting user input for operating the input device in at least a first mode and a second mode, where in the first mode, the input device operates as a tabletop computer pointing device, and where in the second mode, the input device operates as a hand-held presentation device used to control a computer-based presentation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/283,109, filed Apr. 10, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer input devices, and inparticular to computer input devices used for controlling acomputer-based presentation.

The use of desktop and portable or notebook computers is steadily on therise, and along with this rise there is also a rise in the use of suchcomputers for the preparation and presentation of computer-basedpresentations. Furthermore, along with the increase in the use ofcomputers, there has also been an increase in the use of input devices,such as computer mice, trackballs, and other pointing devices, includingjoysticks, gamepads, etc. These various computer input devices greatlyenhance the operator's usability of the computer beyond that of a userhaving only a keyboard.

On another front, the use of various projection-based presentationdevices has also been on the rise. Such devices when interfaced with acomputer, enable a user to project his or her computer-basedpresentation onto, for example, a large screen for viewing by anaudience. The problem is that the computer-based presentation is drivenfrom the computer and the person presenting needs to have access to hisor her computer to maneuver through the computer-based presentation.However, the person presenting does not wish to hinder the effectivenessof the presentation by not being in front of his or her audience whenmaking the presentation. A presenter generally wishes to, or needs to bein front of his or her audience while making the presentation, and doesnot want to be back near his or her computer to control the presentationby using the computer's input device. Furthermore, most presentations toa large audience are conducted in a low light condition, such as in aroom with the lights turned down. So besides being required to be nearthe computer input device, and thus practically invisible to his or heraudience, the person presenting will have to maneuver the computer inputdevice in the dark.

To address this problem, some projection-based presentation devicemanufacturers offer a presentation controller that if properlyinterfaced with a computer would allow an operator to control thecomputer-based presentation by using the presentation controller.Suffice it to say that establishing such a proper interface between thepresentation controller and the computer is no less than a Herculeantask. Furthermore, most presentation controllers use very non-intuitiveand confusing interfaces that only complicate their cumbersome andunruly assortment of buttons and switches.

There is therefore an unmet need for a convenient presentationcontroller that also is able to function as a computer input device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an input device having a housing; apointing device coupled with the housing having a plurality of buttons;a scrolling element coupled with the housing; and a module for detectinguser input for operating the input device in at least a first mode and asecond mode, where in the first mode, the input device operates as atabletop computer pointing device, and where in the second mode, theinput device operates as a hand-held presentation device used to controla computer-based presentation.

In certain embodiments, the pointing device is a computer mouse and thescrolling element is a wheel, a force-sensitive roller, a solid stateroller, a trackball, a mini joystick, a touchpad, or combinationsthereof

In certain embodiments, the input device while in the second orpresentation mode uses one of the plurality of buttons to move thecomputer-based presentation in one direction, and another of theplurality of buttons to move the computer-based presentation in anotherdirection. For example, the left button is used to move one slideforward and the right button is used to move one slide backward in acomputer-based presentation.

In one embodiment, the module for detecting user input for operating theinput device in at least a first mode and a second mode includes athree-way switch coupled with the housing, wherein a first activation ofthe switch places the input device in the first mode, a secondactivation of the switch places the input device in the second mode, anda third activation of the switch turns the input device off.

In an embodiment, the module for detecting user input for operating theinput device in at least a first mode and a second mode includes asoftware driver configured to recognize a switch between the first modeand the second mode, and treat user inputs initiated in the first modeand the second mode for processing by a computer which is connected withthe computer input device.

In some embodiments, the input device is a wireless device thatcommunicates with a host computer via a wireless receiver that isconnected with the host computer via a communication bus.

In another aspect, the input device also includes a laser pointingdevice that is coupled with the housing.

For further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the hybridpresentation controller and computer input device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the hybrid presentationcontroller and computer input device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the hybrid presentationcontroller and computer input device of the present invention connectedwith a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention combine features of an input deviceor a pointing device (e.g. a computer mouse) with a presentationcontroller. As used herein, a presentation controller is an interactiondevice that is used to control a computer-based presentation (e.g., adevice used to control an application program such as MicrosoftPowerPoint™). Such a computer-based presentation is typically providedduring a technical conference or a marketing seminar. Further, as usedherein, a computer mouse according to embodiments of the presentinvention includes a multi-button computer mouse having a scrollingelement. The scrolling element includes a wheel, a trackball, pressuresensitive switches or solid state rollers that are configured to enablea scrolling function. The scrolling element in such a computer mousetypically combines the operations which are normally carried out by amiddle button of a three button mouse (i.e. by being clickable) with theoperations that are well-suited to the scrolling function of amouse-wheel, as is known in the art.

Preferably, the hybrid device of the present invention operates in atleast two modes. In a first or mouse mode, or tabletop mode, the devicefunctions as a usual computer input device (e.g. a computer mouse),which is placed on a flat surface to input position-based information toa host computer.

In a second or presentation mode, or a hand-held mode the device islifted from the tabletop and carried by its operator to control acomputer-based presentation by clicking any of the device's buttons tomove forward or backward in the electronic slide presentation.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of the hybrid presentation controller andcomputer input device 110 of the present invention. The device 110 hastwo buttons 112. One button, for example, the left button operates as“forward” and the other, for example, the right one operates as“backward” while in a computer-based presentation (e.g. MicrosoftPowerPoint™), when the device is in the presentation mode. For example,the clicking of one of the buttons is configured to advance thepresentation forward by one slide frame, while the clicking of anothermouse button is configured to move the presentation one slide framebackward, in the same way that using the “page down” and “page up”buttons on a computer keyboard cause a forward and a backward movementwithin an electronic slide document.

In the mouse mode, the buttons act as they do in a typical mouse, wherethe left button acts as the “click/select” button and the right buttonacts as the “alt select” button. In both the mouse and the presentationmode the button functionality is changeable via a device setup softwareprogram that may be installed on a computer during the initialinstallation of the device.

The device 110 also has a scrolling element 116. Various embodiments ofthe scrolling element 116, include a trackball, mini joystick, atouchpad, a wheel, a solid state roller (“SSR”), or a force sensitiveresistor. The functionality of the force-sensitive resistor that isimplemented in a pointing device is described in a co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/010,072, entitled: “Pointing Device withForce-Sensitive Resistor,” assigned to the assignee herein, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.In an embodiment that includes a solid state roller (SSR), scrolling isachieved by placement of a finger on metallic sensor(s), one pair at thefront of the SSR to indicate a “scroll up” and one pair at the rear ofthe SSR to indicate “scroll down.” One press of the SSR is equivalent toa “roller ratchet” and the continuous pressing of the SSR is equivalentto a “continuous scroll.” The scrolling element 114 is placed on the topside of the device 110 to allow a user to have scroll capabilities inthe mouse as well as the presentation modes.

Alternate embodiments of the device 110 include a laser pointer 120 thatis coupled with the device 110, as is shown in FIG. 1B. The laserpointer 120 may be configured to be activated in response to a mousebutton click. Moreover, the laser pointer 120 may only be activatablewhen the device 120 is being operated in its hand-held or presentationmode. Laser pointers have become more popular as pointing devices, andsome have even combined laser pointers with other devices such aswatches, pens, range finders and firearm targeting devices. Theincorporation of a laser pointer with a presentation controller addsconvenience in that the laser pointer has utility during a presentation,since the operator can use such a presentation controller to control thepresentation and use the laser pointer to point to sections of relevantscreens, without needing to carry both a presentation controller and alaser pointer device. Further, a laser pointer that is coupled with apresentation device as is done in embodiments of the present invention,is easily actuated by a button click of the device 110. The button usedto activate the laser pointer 120 is any of the multiple mouse buttons112. Alternately a dedicated button is used on the device 110 for theactuation of the laser pointer 120.

A three position on/off switch 118 shown in FIG. 1B, is placed on theunderside of the device 110 to turn the device on and use it in eitherthe presentation mode or the mouse mode. In one embodiment, a firstactivation of the button 118 turns the device on and places it in themouse mode; a second button activation places the device in thepresentation mode; and a third activation turns the device 110 off. Inan embodiment, when the device is in the presentation mode, the laserpointer 120 is enabled, and when the device is in a mouse mode, thelaser pointer is disabled.

Certain embodiments of the device 110 include status LEDs 114, such as,for example, two red/green colored LEDs that are visible via windows inthe top cover of the device 110, in front of buttons 112. In a wirelessdevice embodiment, the LEDs indicate battery power level and wirelessconnectivity. For battery power level, in an embodiment, the green lightwill shine for, for example, 5 seconds when the device is switched onand then go off, when the battery level is good. If the battery levelgets low (e.g. less than 50 hours or 20% of typical usage left), the LEDwill flash red, at a rate of, for example, once per 10 seconds. Then, ifthe battery is exceptionally low (e.g. less than 5% of usage left), theLED will remain a constant red. If during use, the battery level goesfrom an acceptable level to a low level, the LED starts to flash red atrate of, for example, once every 5 seconds to warn the user that thebattery is low.

For wireless connectivity, the connectivity LED flashes, for example,once every second until the connection is made and then the green LED ison for, for example, 5 seconds, and then off. If the user starts to moveout of the range of the device's receiver, the LED flashes, for example,red once a second until the user moves back in range. While connectivityis maintained, the connectivity LED flashes, for example, green every 30seconds and when the user hits any of the buttons. A recessed connectbutton is placed on the bottom-side of the device 110 to enable theconnection of a device 110 to its receiver, at least for the very firsttime the device is used.

Alternately, in addition to the switching between the two modes usingthe three-way on/off switch 118, the switching is enabled automatically.An automatic switching from a first mode (e.g. pointing device mode) toa second mode (e.g. presentation mode) occurs when the device is liftedfrom the tabletop. The device is configured to recognize that it hasbeen lifted from the tabletop using mechanical means for a mechanical(e.g. a ball-type mouse) mouse. Alternately, the device 110 isconfigured to recognize that it has been lifted from the tabletop usingoptical means for an optical mouse. Mechanical means, for example,include a switch that is biased against the top of the ball, and isconfigured to detect when the ball drops lower, for example, as in whenthe mouse is lifted from the table-top. Optical means, for example,include using optical detectors to sense a change in the intensity ofthe detected light to indicate that very little reflected light ishitting the optical detector, as in, for example, when the optical mouseis lifted from the tabletop. Furthermore, the optical detector isconfigured to detect the difference between a fast change in lightintensity, as in when the mouse is lifted from the table-top from themore gradual case, where the battery power level has been depleted. Theoptical mouse embodiment houses an Agilent optical module, including anAgilent optical sensor.

Alternately, a manual switching between a tabletop mode and a handheldmode is achieved by indicating to the device through a software program,which invokes a setup program, to recognize button and scroll functionscorresponding to either a tabletop computer mouse mode or a handheldpresentation device mode.

Furthermore, in addition to the manual switching and the automaticswitching between the table top and handheld modes, as described above,a module for detecting user input for operating the input device in thefirst mode (e.g. tabletop) and a second mode (e.g. handheld) includes asoftware driver configured to recognize a switch between the first modeand the second mode, and treat user inputs initiated in the first modeand the second mode for processing by a computer which is connected withthe computer input device.

For example, when the device 110 is in its presentation mode, buttonclicks are configured to advance a slide forward or backward in acomputer-based presentation. Further, the scroll element on the deviceis configured to be used during the hand-held mode to control apresentation. The scroll element is used to control more complexoperations than moving forward and backward, which may be carried out bythe button clicks, as described above. For example, the scroll elementmay be used to select from various options while the device is held bythe operator, and where it is inconvenient to revert to the first mode(e.g., by putting the device back on the tabletop). The options areselected from a preprogrammed menu, which is displayed on a presentationscreen in response to the operator using the scroll element whileholding the device in its hand-held mode. The preprogrammed menu ispreferably a smaller menu so as not to disrupt the presentation byshowing a full menu to the audience. The preprogrammed menu, which ismodifiable, may be installed and configured as a part of the initialdevice installation procedure.

To activate the preprogrammed menu, the operator activates the scrollelement to display a menu on the screen. The operator chooses a menuitem from the menu by using the scroll element, and selects a menuoption by clicking on it using the scroll element or one of the buttons.One example of a menu item includes volume control where it is selectedby a wheel click and the sound level is adjusted up or down by turningthe wheel up or down respectively. Another example of a scroll menu itemincludes scroll speed providing fast or slow and a range of scrollspeeds. Another example includes switching to another applicationprogram by clicking on “programs” and then choosing another program withthe scroll element and selecting the chosen program with another clickoperation. Another example includes selecting another presentation inessentially the same manner as selecting another program, as describedabove. Another example includes selecting “bookmarked” web sites with ascroll element click and then choosing amongst the sites with the scrollelement scroll and selecting a site by another scroll element click.

These and other examples of most needed shortcuts for the device areloaded or preprogrammed into the scroll element menu before the deviceis used during a presentation in its hand-held mode. Havingpreprogrammed the scroll element menu, the operator can hold the devicein his or her hand and walk around during the presentation, switchingslides and/or selecting preloaded functions easily by using the scrollelement of the device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 110 communicates with a host computer 210(e.g., to control an electronic slide show application program) via awired connection or alternately via a wireless connection. The hostcomputer 210 in connected with a presentation device 216 for projectinga computer-based presentation onto a screen 220.

A wireless device 110 allows its operator the freedom to move freelybeyond the range of a wired presentation device while controlling acomputer-based presentation. In a wireless embodiment, the device 110communicates with the host computer 210 via a wireless receiver 212which is coupled to the host computer 210 via a bus 214. In anembodiment, the protocol for wireless communication between the device110 and the host computer 210 via receiver 212 is an implementationbased on the Bluetooth™ Human Interface Device (HID) profile, and thusthe device 110 will be compatible with devices based on this HIDprotocol. While certain host computers may include a Bluetooth™ HIDprofile and thus not require the receiver 212, the receiver 212 servesas a bridge for host computers that do not use the Bluetooth™ HIDprofile using the host computer's bus, which is, for example a USB bus.Bluetooth™ is a wireless technology that offers cable replacement forpersonal electronic devices. As is known to those skilled in the art,other wireless communications protocols, including fixed or spreadspectrum wireless communications protocols are equally useable with thewireless implementation of the device 110 and the wireless receiver 212.The wireless receiver may be implemented as an external or internalreceiver device, a USB dongle, a PCI card or a PCMCIA card.

Alternately, the device is configured for operation in a combined wiredand wireless mode. In such an embodiment, the device is preferably awired device when operating in the mouse or tabletop mode, thusconserving battery power by drawing power from the computer via the busconnection to the computer. When the device is disconnected from thebus, the device switches to a wireless device. In an embodiment, theshift from a wired to a wireless device, also switches the device fromits first or mouse mode, to its second (e.g. handheld) or presentationmode. This combined wired and wireless capability provides theadvantages of a wireless device when operated as a presentationcontroller with the power saving feature of a wired device, whenoperated as a mouse.

Another alternate embodiment of the present invention is a device thatis used purely as a presentation controller. In this embodiment thedevice is configured to function solely as a presentation controller andnot also as computer input device. In this embodiment, a wheel is usedas a scrolling element. This embodiment is readily adopted by itsoperator to control a computer-based presentation, owing to itssimilarity to a usual computer input device, such as, for example, amouse. The operator of such a device will not need any additionaltraining in its use, since computer input devices have become a verycommon peripheral device. An operator will click a button and/or thewheel and will be presented with the results of each click and thus theoperator will intuitively learn to use the device. For example, theoperator will click one of the buttons to see that the presentation hasadvanced one slide forward, and realize that the particular button isused to move forward in a presentation. Or an operator will click thewheel and will be presented with a menu on a screen, and willintuitively understand what additional clicks or scrolls of the wheelachieve. This embodiment is configured to communicate with a hostcomputer (e.g., to control an electronic slide show application program)via a wired connection or alternately via a wireless connection. Awireless presentation device allows its operator the freedom to movefreely beyond the range of a wired presentation device while controllinga computer-based presentation. Other embodiments of this purelypresentation controlling device optionally include a laser pointerdevice as is described above.

Various features of the embodiments of the present invention providemany advantages to a user of such a hybrid presentation controller andcomputer input device. For example, the plurality of buttons enable theuser to easily move slides forward and backward in a computer-basedpresentation. The dual functionality of the device meets a greatly unmetneed by providing one easy to use device that allows for the control ofa computer-based presentation as well providing the indispensablefunctionality of a computer input device, all in one device. The coupledlaser pointer allows for the easy highlighting of key aspects of apresentation and alleviates the need and trouble of handling anotherdevice. Lastly, the wireless implementation of the hybrid device enablesthe user to freely move about as the presentation is being controlled.The wireless connectivity also avoids the hassles of having to wrestleanother tangled cord.

As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe essential characteristics thereof. For example, the devicecommunicate with a host computer via a wireless or a tetheredconnection, or that the device may only be utilized in its hand heldmode, foregoing the usual computer input device mouse operations.Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure is intended to be illustrative,but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth inthe following claims.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A input device, comprising: a housing; an opticalsource coupled to the housing and configured to emit radiation; anoptical detector configured to detect a first rate of change of theintensity of the radiation reflected from a surface and a second rate ofchange of the intensity of the radiation reflected from the surface, thesecond rate of change being different from the first rate of change; anda module configured to change a mode of operation of the input devicebetween a first mode and a second mode if the first rate of change ofthe intensity is detected by the optical detector, and maintain the modeof operation of the input device if the second rate of change of theintensity is detected by the optical detector.
 23. The input device ofclaim 22, wherein: in the first mode, the input device operates as apointing device, and in the second mode, the input device operates as apresentation device used to control a computer-based presentation. 24.The input device of claim 23, wherein in the first mode the input deviceoperates as a mouse.
 25. The input device of claim 22, furthercomprising: a plurality of buttons coupled to the housing; and ascrolling element coupled to the housing.
 26. The input device of claim25, wherein the scrolling element is a wheel, a force-sensitive roller,a solid state roller, a trackball, a mini joystick, or a touchpad. 27.The input device of claim 25, wherein in the second mode one of theplurality of buttons is configured to move a computer-based presentationin a first direction, and another of the plurality of buttons isconfigured to move the computer-based presentation in a seconddirection.
 28. The input device of claim 25, wherein an activation ofthe scrolling element in the second mode is configured to initiatedisplay of a menu on a computer screen presenting menu items configuredto be selected by a subsequent scrolling element input.
 29. The inputdevice of claim 28, wherein the scrolling element is a wheel, aforce-sensitive roller, or a solid state roller and wherein an item fromthe menu items is configured to be chosen in response to a scrollingmovement of the scrolling element and a selected-menu item is configuredto be selected in response to a pressing motion on the scrollingelement.
 30. The input device of claim 28, wherein at least one of themenu items is for changing the functionality of the buttons from a firstcontrol mode to a second control mode.
 31. The input device of claim 30,wherein a given one of the menu items is associated with changing theinput device from the second mode to the first mode.
 32. The inputdevice of claim 31, wherein another of the menu item is associated withchanging the input device from the first mode to the second mode. 33.The input device of claim 25, further comprising a laser pointing devicecoupled to the housing.
 34. The input device of claim 33, wherein thelaser pointer is actuated by one of the plurality of buttons.
 35. Theinput device of claim 25, wherein the scrolling element is configured tobe pressed once for a single ratchet scroll and configured to pressed ina substantially continuous manner for substantially continuousscrolling.
 36. The input device of claim 35, wherein the scrollingelement is a metallic sensor.
 37. The input device of claim 22, furthercomprising a power source configured to power the optical source. 38.The input device of claim 37, wherein the second rate of change isassociated with a changing rate of power supplied by the power source.39. The input device of claim 22, wherein the first rate of change isgreater than the second rate of change.
 40. The input device of claim22, wherein: the module includes a three-way switch coupled to thehousing, a first activation of the switch places the input device in thefirst mode, a second activation of the switch places the input device inthe second mode, and a third activation of the switch turns the inputdevice off.
 41. The input device of claim 22, wherein the input deviceis a wireless device.
 42. The input device of claim 22, wherein themodule is configured to detect a user input to configure the inputdevice to operate in at least one of the first mode and the second mode.43. The input device of claim 22, wherein the first rate of change isassociated with lifting the input device from a surface or placing theinput device on the surface.